Cowboys notes: Jones high on Garrett’s motivational skills

Hoping to prevent a long-term problem, the Dallas Cowboys ruled Miles Austin out for Sunday’s game at San Diego.

The receiver sat out all three practices this week with a strained hamstring he suffered in the third quarter of the win over St. Louis last week.

Austin has a history of hamstring problems, including six games missed during the 2011 season. Fearing that playing him could lead to another series of games missed, the Cowboys have adopted a conservative approach to the eighth-year pro even though this injury isn’t considered serious.

“I don’t think this is going to be anything extended,” team executive vice president Stephen Jones told Dallas’ KRLD-FM.

Austin’s absence likely means rookie Terrance Williams will log his second start of the season. Williams, who has five catches for 60 yards, started the opener but only because Dallas began the game in a three-receiver set.

“I’m excited about getting out there with this opportunity,” Williams told reporters Friday in Irving. “I feel comfortable in the offense.”

Austin isn’t the only ailing wideout. Dwayne Harris, who also returns punts, is questionable with a hip injury.

Jones praises Garrett: Much has been made about the impact the additions of Monte Kiffin as defensive coordinator and Rod Marinelli as defensive line coach have had on the Cowboys, who can start 3-1 for the first time since 2008 with a win Sunday.

But owner Jerry Jones stressed Friday during his radio show that the job done by coach Jason Garrett shouldn’t be overlooked.

“The guy I want to point out that is the leader and really a motivator is Jason Garrett,” Jones told KRLD-FM. “Jason really has a way of communicating. He has a way of setting expectations.”

Among the reasons Jones stripped Garrett of his play-calling duties after last season was the hope that he would benefit as a game manager and motivator.

Rising Waters: Six-time Pro Bowl Brian Waters is set to start his first game as a Cowboy after rotating the last two weeks with Mackenzy Bernadeau at right guard, offensive coordinator Bill Callahan said.

Bernadeau now becomes the back up at all three interior line positions.